IN November last year Attorney General John Larkin called for an amnesty for Troubles-related crimes.

In spite of being rejected by mainstream politicians, the idea has survived with support from ex-Secretary of State Peter Hain and NI21 leader Basil McCrea.

Those who support an amnesty often cite the difficulty of bringing prosecutions. The conviction of Seamus Kearney for the murder of John Proctor proves that the justice system is capable of prosecuting Troubles-related crimes.

The families of terrorist victims deserve the right to have their loved-ones' murders investigated. What is required is support for victims of terror and the political will to continue the investigation and prosecution of terrorist murders.